55 Free Things to Do in Chicago and Surrounding Areas

Use this list to plan a single afternoon, a day full of activities, or an entire vacation. I’ve tried to include a lot of variety – indoor and outdoor, city and suburbs, and activities that are appropriate for toddlers, older kids, and adults. Any suggestions for additions to the list? I’d love to hear them!

1. Millennium Park
Check out your reflection(s) in Cloudgate and splash around in the Crown Fountain. Stroll the Lurie Garden, picnic on the lawn of the Pritzker Pavillion, and get a great view of the city from the Nichols Bridgeway.

2. Tour Millennium Park or the Lurie Garden
Take a free tour of Millennium Park or the Lurie Garden. No registration is required. See the City of Chicago: Millennium Park website for days, times, and more details.

14. Chicago Greeter Tour
Take a free custom tour with a Chicago Greeter volunteer to one of 25 different Chicago neighborhoods, or see lots of sites in the city in your area of interest (such as family-friendly, art & architecture, or foodie spots).

18. Free Museum Days
Chicago is full of great museums and zoos, and if you’re an Illinois resident, you can take advantage of Free Museum Days.

19. The 606Stretch your legs with a walk or ride along the trails at this new park and trail system in Logan Square.

20. City Gallery at the History Water TowerStep inside the Historic Water Tower to check out the current exhibit. Charlie Trotter: Chef, Artist, Thinker is the current exhibit and will remain until September 2015.

27. Chicago Public Libraries
I could make an entire list of all the free activities they offer to residents. Check out your local city (or suburban) library for events or take a trip to the mother of all Chicago area libraries – Harold Washington Library.

28. Chicago Architecture Foundation
See the city from above – kinda. The Chicago Architecture Foundation has the largest, most complete replica of the downtown Loop area in the world.

36. Skokie Lagoons
Skokie Lagoons covers 894 acres and offers fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Have your own kayak, canoe, sailboat, or rowboat? They can be launched here. (Rentals are available for a fee too.)

37. Phillips Park Zoo
This zoo, located in Aurora, has over 100 animals representing 41 different species. Download a scavenger hunt list on their website before you go.

48. Heller Nature Center
The Heller Nature Center in Highland Park offers indoor and outdoor activities for all members of the family.

49. Fermilab
Fermilab offers public tours every Wednesday, Ask-a-Scientist once a month, and special events. Visitors are also welcome to explore the ground, first, and 15th floors of Wilson Hall and the Lederman Science Center.

51. American Science & Surplus
American Science & Surplus is not your ordinary store; they specialize in industrial, military, and educational items, but have a little bit of everything from test tubes to glow-in-the-dark toys to Mr. Potato Head. Spend an afternoon browsing at their Chicago or Geneva location.

54. Appreciate Chicago art
There’s no need to step into a museum – there’s art all around in Chicago. The Chicago Public Art Guide information about each piece; take a trek around the city to find your favorites.

55. Maggie Daley Park
It’s brand new and not to be missed. Not only are there epic bridges, slides, and play structures, but there’s plenty of green space and gardens to enjoy too.